How to Get Your Front Porch Rockin'

Texas currently can't decide if it's winter or summer (try going from 88 degrees to 42 in about 48 hours), so it has got me dreaming and swooning over what I want my front porch to look like in the coming months! I love southern style, so what says southern better than front porch sittin'?

I found this beautiful porch idea via Finding Home Farms,  and I'm going to try to recreate this loveliness this Spring (because whether you like it or not, Spring will be here soon!)!

Rocking Chairs: Similar | Chalkboard: World Market | Wreath: One Kings Lane | End Table: Similar

Yesterday, the little girl fell asleep on the way home, and I took her out of the car and we went and sat on the front porch.  Her asleep on my shoulder, and me just rocking.  Yep! Just rocking like an old lady with nothing better to do! Ha!  Let me tell you though, the only thing missing was an ice cold glass of sweet tea in a Mason jar to make it perfect.  It was glorious to just stop in the midst of the current craziness and listen to the trees sway in the wind and listen to what God wants to tell me.  Sometimes, just STOPPING and being silent…no technology, no reading, just being silent for a few minutes makes a world of difference! I came back in with a peace and a gratefulness that could've only come with being STILL.

The little photo above, and the moment I had rocking yesterday spurred on so many ideas for my front porch that is currently in dire need of some major TLC!

I definitely need some greenery out on the front of course, and since I love the farmhouse look inside AND out, I found these amazing planters!  You can find them HERE.

I also have been looking for some outdoor lanterns that wouldn't get too dirty, but would be just right for outdoor decor.  I found these cute little gems HERE.

And what about THIS!  I'm a sucker for anything unique, and something you might not see everywhere and in everyone's home.  This mat is a MUST have, and you can find it HERE!

And a front porch would NOT be complete without a throw pillow or two.  I found this beautiful pillow that portrays the message of what I want for front porch sittin'.  Find it HERE.

Those are all of my front porch ideas for now, so be expecting (in the kind of sort of near future), a before and after of my porch.  I envision many a days rocking with my sweet tea in hand. And if you come by, be sure to stop and stay awhile! 

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Essential Ideas for a Farmhouse Look

Who doesn't love the farmhouse look?

I guess there are actual people that don't, so if that's you, this post might bore you, gross you out, or what have you, but this farmhouse decor/'Chip and Joanna Gaines look' is totally my jam.

I used to think that you had to have the actual structure of your house, inside and out, to look and feel like an old farmhouse.  That is a non-truth, folks!  Our house is fairly new, but it took just a few additions of what I consider essentials to get that farmhouse feel!

(This post contains affiliate links)

1. Let's start with white.  White is classic.  Always has been, always will be.  I transformed my mugs, dishes, and other things that aren't put away in a cabinet, to white.  I love the simplicity and 'no fuss' of it.  This pitcher is truly one of my favorite things in the kitchen.

Click HERE for the pitcher or on the picture below. 

Find another farmhouse pitcher HERE .

2. I also think that mason jars and anything galvanized are a MUST.  The more galvanizing, the better!  

Here is a similar oval galvanized tray that can be used for the same purpose: 

Get your mason jars for a great price HERE.

3. Lighting.  My house has plenty of 'regular' lighting, but if you had to pick one area in your house to put some great lighting that showcases the farmhouse look, choose the kitchen.  We searched high and low for good unique lighting and happened to stumble upon some pendants that we fell in love with.  This is the ONLY lighting we have in the house that would be considered 'farmhouse', and it's just perfect. Don't feel like you have to go overboard with the farmhouse lighting in order to change the vibe and feel of your house.  

I have found FOUR similar farmhouse inspired lighting that can be found HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.

4. Last, but not least, a farmhouse table, you guys!  I would say to make your kitchen really ooze with some farmhouse love, get a farmhouse table.  There are so many out there that are just lovely! 

I love our table.  It is just what we needed to bring in the farmhouse feel to our home!   

We had a family member that made this for us, but if that doesn't exist for you, you can find a similar table HERE, HERE, or HERE.

This is just the beginning of our 'home tour' adventure together.  Stay tuned for more posts on the farmhouse decor that will be featured in the future! 

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Monogrammed Ballcap and Sweet Tea Bars

Oh my darlin, dear.  May one not be found without a monogrammed ballcap (spell-check says 'ballcap' is two words, but I say differently).

This little cap was something I bought on a whim through the magical site of ETSY.   I mean, is there ever a better place to by personalized things ONLINE than on Etsy?  Reasonably priced, cute, adorable, and for the most part, good in shipping, etc.!  I actually bought my daughter's napmat on Etsy and it is one of the happiest, best purchases I have gone for.

This hat was bought through SOUTHERN PREP BOUTIQUE...and I have to say, I really like the name of their store.  :)  Who can dislike anything when the name 'southern' is involved??

Their store is so cute and has so many options of monogrammed styles.  They also do phone cases,  totes, shirts, etc.  PRECIOUS! I plan on ordering more from this cute little southern shop in the future.

Here I am sporting the cap!  I love it!!  You can dress it up OR dress it down! :)

To top off this Southern Sunday, I got a wonderful feed this morning from Mix and Match Mama. 

SWEET TEA BARS.  

Say, wha??  It took every bit of will power in my soul not to run out of my house at 6:30 a.m. to get sweet tea to finish up the recipe requirements (all the ingredients you will probably have on hand!).  I didn't, and I'm pretty dang proud of myself.  

Here is the beautimous pic of the Mix and Match Mama's Sweet Tea Bars:

Head over to Mix and Match Mama's BLOG  for the recipe of these bars! 

I plan for them to be in my kitchen soon!  

Thank you, Mix and Match Mama!  You never disappoint!  

May the rest of your Sunday be Southern, y'all! 

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